2.3 Earthquake Hazards and Safety

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Vocabulary

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Liquefaction: it occurs when an earthquake's shaking turns soil into watery mud
Aftershock: an earthquake that occurs after a larger earthquake in the same area
Tsunamis: a giant wave that is caused by an earthquake on the ocean floor
Base-isolated building: a building made to decrease the amount of energy that reaches the building during an earthquake

Outline

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How Earthquakes Cause Damage

• earthquakes can cause a lot of damage
  • landslides
  • avalanches
  • tsunamis

Local soil conditions

• solid rock shakes less
• sandy soil shakes more

Liquefaction

• can cause landslides
  • the 1964 Anchorage earthquake

Aftershocks

• an earthquake that occurs after a larger earthquake in the same area
  • can happen hours, days, or months later

Tsunamis

• a giant wave that is caused by an earthquake on the ocean floor
  • waves can be between 100 to 200 kilometers long
  • can be as tall as a six-story building

Making Buildings Safer

• most people get injured or die from buildings
  • must make stronger and safer building

Choice of Location

• Do not live near or on
  • steep slopes
    • can cause landslides during earthquakes
  • filled land
    • can shake dangerously during earthquakes
  • earthquake faults
    • will also shake very dangerously during earthquakes

Construction Methods

• base-isolated buildings
  • a building made to decrease the amount of energy that reaches the building during an earthquake

Protecting Yourself During and Earthquake

• hide under a strong table or desk
  • hold on to it so it doesn't move
• if there isn't any table or desk sit against an inner wall
  • cover your head and neck with arms
• if you are outside go to an open area
  • playground
• have an earthquake kit always prepared

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